Recommendation for Next Course of Action

B.

In this scenario, the program manager has completed an unsuccessful disaster recovery test, and the risk practitioner needs to recommend the next course of action.

Option A suggests identifying what additional controls are needed. While this is a valid course of action, it may not be the most appropriate immediate response to an unsuccessful test. Before identifying additional controls, it is important to understand the cause of the failure and whether existing controls were not functioning as intended.

Option B suggests updating the business impact analysis (BIA). This is a valid course of action, as an unsuccessful disaster recovery test may indicate that the BIA needs to be updated to reflect current risks and business priorities. However, it may not be the most immediate response to the failed test.

Option C suggests prioritizing issues noted during the testing window. This is a valid course of action, as it helps to identify and address the most critical issues first. However, it may not be the most immediate response to the failed test.

Option D suggests communicating test results to management. This is the most appropriate immediate response to an unsuccessful disaster recovery test. Communicating the test results to management enables them to understand the impact of a potential disaster and the level of readiness of the organization. It can also provide insights into the effectiveness of current controls and areas for improvement.

Therefore, the best course of action for the risk practitioner to recommend as the NEXT step is option D: Communicate test results to management.